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FACT: 9 out of 10 low-income, first-generation college students will not earn a degree by age 24. They drop out at 4 times the rate of students whose parents earned a college degree.

“Because no one in my family had ever gone to college, I had no one to turn to for support and advice. Luckily, I had CSO. They provided me with the resources necessary to make it to where I am now. I couldn’t have done it without them!“-Jesse Sanchez, Harvard University ’14 and current Fulbright Scholar

$8,000 - Cost to fund one I’m First Scholarship award winner for four years of college

JOIN THE CAPS AND GOWNS WITH A RECURRING GIFT! Become part of a special group that shares our commitment to helping turn college dreams into a reality through recurring monthly gifts. This support offers CSO a reliable source of revenue while allowing donors to break down their gifts into manageable increments.

However you choose to give, know that your commitment is helping more students like Jesse proudly declare, ”I’m First!”

BECOME A CHAMPION

Help us further reach underserved communities, raise widespread awareness of our programs and resources, increase participation, and build greater support for first-gen college students with an annual gift of $5,000 or more. Learn more

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

ENDOWMENTS AND PLANNED GIVINGPlease contact the Office of Development at (301) 363-4228 to discuss endowment and planned giving opportunities.

FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Grant making organizations play a critical role in supporting CSO with general operating and project-based funding. Should you wish to invite CSO to apply for a specific grant with your foundation, please contact the Office of Development at (301) 363-4228.

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We welcome the opportunity to work with your company or organization on special projects that help further our shared missions. You may make a general donation or contact the Office of Development at (301) 363-4228 to discuss ways we can work together to empower first-gen college students on the path to and through college.

ADDITIONAL WAYS TO GIVE
We also accept stock, in-kind contributions, and matching gifts. Please contact the Office of Development at (301) 363-4228 to discuss options.

Prefer to mail your gift instead? You may complete our donation form and send to:

We believe that the opportunity for college exists for students who do not have a family history of higher education. I’m First! is an online community providing first-generation college students—and those who advise them—with inspiration, information, and support on the road to and through college.